When you think about pasta what comes to mind? Heavy? Carb-loaded? Unhealthy? What if we said that we had a few pasta recipes up our sleeve that are not only super fast to whip up, but that are chock-full of fresh and healthy ingredients too. Our trick? Use healthier pasta alternatives (think quinoa, brown rice, gluten-free and whole grain), add lots of fresh and healthy veggies (kale, tomatoes, mushrooms and peppers to name a few) and lighten-up on the sauce. Intrigued? Keep reading for 5 fresh and fast pasta recipes, perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Rustic spaghetti with chicken, peppers and mushrooms
Do you ever get bored of that same old, same old pasta with tomato sauce? So do we. Lucky for you we’ve created a recipe for a rustic spaghetti with chicken, mushrooms and peppers that is anything but bland, boring or heavy. Simple as can be and made using fresh, healthy and flavour-packed ingredients, it’s set to become your new go-to pasta. To up the health factor try it with whole-grain spaghetti.
→ Get the recipe here.
Fusilli with chicken and cherry tomatoes
If you’re looking for a quick, easy and healthy weeknight dinner, look no further than our fusilli with chicken and cherry tomatoes. To up the health factor, buy gluten-free or spelt fusilli noodles.
→ Get the recipe here.
Whole grain spaghetti with kale, lemon and parmesan
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Add 8 oz of quinoa or whole-grain spaghetti and cook according to package directions, until al dente. Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet and add 1 very thinly sliced small onion. Cook, stirring often, until onion is softened and beginning to caramelize, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add about 4 cups of chopped kale leaves (that have been cleaned, stemmed and dried very well) to the pan and cook until wilted, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the zest and juice of 2 lemons, 1/2 tsp each sea salt and freshly ground pepper and a pinch of red chili flakes. Once pasta is ready, drain and then transfer cooked pasta to the skillet. Add a drizzle of olive oil and toss until all ingredients are well combined. Stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan then divide between bowls. Top with Parmesan shavings if you like and enjoy!
Simple penne with marinara sauce
We get it, sometimes mid-week, easy is best. And there’s not much easier than this recipe for penne pasta with a simple tomato basil sauce. To up the health factor, use gluten-free, spelt or quinoa penne pasta.
→ Get the recipe here.
Pasta with turkey meatballs
If you love a heartier style pasta—complete with meatballs—but you’re looking for creative ways to lighten-up your dish (while still keeping all that flavour), how about trying our recipe for pasta with turkey meatballs. Complete with a homemade tomato sauce and meatballs made from turkey instead of ground beef, this recipe is easy to make and full of flavour. Try pairing it with gluten-free, quinoa or spelt pasta and stirring in some baby spinach leaves to up the health factor even more.
→ Get the recipe here.
Tagged under: food,recipes,dinner ideas
